How to Address a High Ranking Public Official

Everyone at some point comes into contact with a public official and needs to address them. Even if you are not planning to have to address a public official, it is a good idea to know what to say just in case you spontaneously encounter one. Knowing the basic rules could prevent a potentially embarrassing and stressful situation.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Refer to any elected office holder as "The Honorable" in written communication.

2. Say the elected official's title followed by his last name in verbal communication. For example, refer to Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy as "Senator Kennedy."

3. Add the first name of the elected official if you are introducing her to someone. For example, if you are introducing North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole to a friend, say "I would like for you to meet Senator Elizabeth Dole."

4. Insert "elect" between the title and name if the elected official has been elected but has not yet taken office. For example, if John Smith is the newly elected mayor of your town, refer to him as "Mayor-elect Smith."

5. Say "The Honorable" when speaking to an official who requires confirmation by the United States Senate or a state senate. For example, refer to the United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as "The Honorable Condoleeza Rice" because her position requires confirmation by the United States Senate. Also use "The Honorable" when speaking to judges.

6. Refer to officials with executive power over a government, such as a Governor or President by "Mister" or "Madam" followed by their title as an alternative to their title and name in verbal communication. For example, when speaking to President George W. Bush, "President Bush" is acceptable, and is so "Mister President." Continue to refer to former executives as "Mister" followed by their title. It is not necessary to refer to them as "former."

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure of how to refer to a public official, wait for others to speak first or approach an aide to the office holder and ask how she should be addressed.